Meet the Maker: Therese Kuempel Casts Crystals in Brass

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• [Photos: Courtesy of Therese Kuempel]
• You have a very specific process, which I love in a world that’s so rushed. What inspires you to stick to your careful, methodical way of doing things? The creative process in general helps me to stick to my methodical way of working. M
• Can you tell me more about your process? How long does a typical piece take to create? When I first began making jewelry, I was doing traditional metalsmithing, soldering, and sheet fabrication. I was then introduced to metal cas
• It’s hard for people to focus on things that take time and attention these days. How do you stay focused when you work? Music is a large source of inspirational focus for me – I consider it my form of meditation. Also, surrounding myself
• How do you typically wear jewelry? What might you be wearing on any given day? I love to mix and match many of my designs. Depending on the mood and occasion, I might layer simple everyday pieces, such as the simple cast

Local jewelry designer Therese Kuempel has a design process that almost sounds like sorcery. In her home studio, she casts crystals in brass and bronze using a rare, methodical process that involves building wax molds. Her handmade, one-of-a-kind designs have an edge of rawness, and are meant to empower the wearer.

As she prepares to showcase her designs at Thursday's R-Fest—an indoor marketplace at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown—we spoke to Kuempel about her process, her love for crystals, and how she layers her own jewelry. "Meet" the jewelry sorceress here, and then meet her for real at the hotel's event this week.

· Therese Kuempel Jewelry [Official Site]
· "R" Fest Indoor Market & After Party at Bar Novo [Eventbrite]